Spinning my wheels. (Excuses, excuses.)

A while ago, I had finally thought I had found some traction, only to start spinning my wheels again. I had spent a busy three days or so working harder than I had in months on building some three dimensional specimen displays, only to lose my motivation just before the last coat of paint. Not only are they waiting for that, but also for their lighting systems, plexiglass covers, specimens and actual information for the panels. Now, they’re sitting on a shelf in the built in entertainment unit in my studio.

Then, I did nothing for a little while. Started a new job, got a vehicle (and all the responsibility that goes along with it), and then injured my achilles heel, which was quite the unpleasant experience, although it’s still going on. I was unable to put any weight on it for 3 or 4 days, and although I was off work, there was no way I was going to be able to use that time productively, as I couldn’t even get to the studio, never mind do anything there. So, I watched way too much tv. I guess I’m allowed sometimes. Now, because of the foot (and other reasons), I’m working half days for a while, so I’ve been trying to put my time to good use. I still don’t have a lot of mobility (or stamina) with the leg, but it’s better than it was, so… no excuse, you know?

So I’ve been working a little bit. A little bit on the IMR, and a little bit on some other things. As I bought a skill saw when I was making the panels (to cut out the large holes), I’ve been playing with that. Realizing that it’s all the sudden so much easier to cut tiny pieces of wood, I’m making automata parts, not really knowing what I’m doing with it, or what the intention is. I’m cutting things, glueing them together, making parts for…. something. An experiment, if only for my own entertainment (and learning).

I’m also working a bit of the IMR stuff, namely electronics. Trying to make the Morphoids breathe. I can come up with a not-too-complicated machine able to create the motion I want, but then, when I try to actually install it in the Morphoid (“We can rebuild him. Better. Stronger. Faster.”), the motor’s not strong enough, the tension on the material (which is important to keep the form) stops the motion from happening. Hmm. Trying not to think about it, in order to come up with a better solution. Percolation time. Man, sometimes I really wish I could remember my dreams. That’s where the solutions are.

Lastly, I’ve been melting Phentex. Drawing with it. Making jigs out of MDF and nails (that was a twilight zone idea). It’s gross stuff, doesn’t break. Melted, it looks like you drew with a giant crayon in the air. The experiments I’ve been doing are no where near reliable enough to use for anything yet. Reminds me of the first versions of the polyester.

So, I guess what I’m saying is that I’m in an experimental phase right now, playing with some materials, techniques, and ideas. The only thing I feel I have to finish sooner or later is the mechanics for the Morphoids, but that’s going to take some engineering. The other things I see as being a diversion right now, to get me back into the swing of it, but their potential may be farther down the road, after the IMR, if at all. There will be an after-the-IMR, and maybe sooner than you think- I’m getting to the point where I’ve got a couple of things left to do, but then it’s time to move on to something else.

(Why is it that we’re so encouraged to come up with a cohesive body of work, and then, two years in, I’m told I’ve gotta be careful it doesn’t turn into the only thing people think I do? Read this: Artist’s consistency Versus Kicking Ass)